My husband took my 07 Accord (114k miles on it) to the local dealer to have the tires balanced. When they test drove it, they said it was pulling to the right (we already knew this) because the lower ball joint is bad and needs to be replaced. On the customer quote, the part they want to replace is the right front knuckle at $380 for the part and $270 labor! My husband is good mechanically so I'm looking for help on this topic. Can he just replace the lower ball joint? How do we know? If it's the front knuckle, can he do this? What is the thought on Honda parts vs other aftermarket parts? Is this a common problem with the 07 Accord? I had my 04 Accord for over 200k and never had this problem.

Thanks!

Barber
2007 ACCORD SDN 4DR SE AT

 

I would do my own check of the lower ball joint. If the rubber boot was torn, then water could get in there and cause it to wear out quickly.

Google ericthecarguy how to find suspension noises

That is a video on how to jack up and push and/pull on the tire to find loose suspension components.

If only the ball joint is the problem, then I wouldn't replace the knuckle. I would just replace the ball joint. I am kind of surprised the dealership wants to swap out the knuckle.

 

The lower ball-joint IS replaceable, #21 in the picture. You'll take the knuckle out of the car, but I wouldn't buy a new knuckle.

 

The joint is replaceable if it hasn't been done before, according to the O.E. info, ...if the joint has paint mark on it, it has been replaced before and therefore requires the replacement of the entire knuckle as an assy. As far as the ease of the job is concerned, not too difficult, you'll need to pull the knuckle anyway to remove and reinstall a new ball joint needs to be pressed in. Although I'm sure some guys here have done it on the car. Check for the paint mark first and then make your decision. I recently replaced a knuckle for other reasons than a bad ball joint, but picked up a low mileage salvage yard one for 75 bucks.

 

Just took it in to the shop, about 111,000Mi, recently hearing knocking. I was told bad lower ball Joint, 250$ out the door with a lifetime ball joint replacing the OEM. I noticed play in the steering, and knocking when car is unlevel. I blame city driving, but not sure if the previous owner beat it??
Just wanted to add my 2 cents, given you are NOT the only person this happened to. Guess were starting to see the problems with the 7th gens now that they are getting older/higher mileage.
But previous to this I did nothing besides a Battery (elective) and a sensor in the radiator..I have owned the car for 2 years now, (since 88,000mi) So this is the 1st major repair im going to have to do.
Hoping its an isolated issue. I have a 07 EX-L i4.